Liverpool’s Andy Robertson conceded a tactic used by Rodri and Spain was ‘fair enough’, but the Man City ace was less gracious after falling to defeat vs Scotland.
Scotland’s win over Spain in Euro 2024 qualifying surprised many, but given the nature of the game and the performance, it was wholly deserved.
Scotland won the game thanks to two goals from Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay and, in truth, Spain did little to test Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn throughout the 90 minutes. Vital in the win was Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, who provided an assist for McTominay’s first goal.
Yet the defeat didn’t go down well with the Spanish players, and Manchester City midfielder Rodri complained about Scotland’s conduct during the game.
It’s the way they play. You have to respect it but for me, it’s a bit rubbish,” remarked Rodri when asked about how the game went.
Because it’s always wasting time. They provoke you, they always fall. For me, this is not football.
For the spirit of the sport, you have to move on. The referee has to take control of this but he says nothing.
“It’s a bit frustrating because we want to win but they waste time, waste time. It is what it is. They have their weapons, we have to use our weapons and I think we will learn for the next time.”
Scotland captain Robertson was then asked about Rodri’s comments, and the Liverpool left-back gave a prompt retort, saying: “Yeah look, I think they were going down a little bit easily, we were trying to say that,” the defender told Viaplay Sports.
“We were always going to try to be physical, we wanted to be in their faces, win our headers and challenges and I think we did that.
“I don’t think we crossed the line. They were, especially in the first half, rolling about a wee bit much but they use their experience and they got a couple of us booked which is fair enough to them.”
Scotland is now top of Group A after two games played, with Spain in second. Rodri and Robertson are set to come up against each other in a few days’ time, as Liverpool travel to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Liverpool.com says: It’s difficult to see what Rodri is complaining about, Spain simply got ‘out-Spained’ by Scotland, matching their Machiavellian tactics and in some cases doing it better. Spain didn’t really trouble Scotland’s goalkeeper and looked light years away from the brilliant team of the late 2000s and early 2010s. So perhaps it’s deflection tactics from Rodri, but it’ll add an extra layer of spice when Liverpool meet Manchester City on Saturday.
